I pinch to prevent excessive branching which allows for more airflow. This keeps the humidity lower preventing the spread of disease. I cannot see why umop-episdn would make any difference.

Also, What does the planter look like?

I tried growing Strawberries from a pouch as they are designed and advertised on TV. With the soil and watering, it weighed practically 100 lbs; so much I could not support it properly and if you find a branch strong enough, the planter is in the shade.

I finally set up three Shepherd Hook garden hooks together in a triangle to hook in the center to finally be able to support it but when each time I watered it, more and more soil washed out.

It looked so good on TV. Good thing I did not buy one, it was a "gift".